World Population Day 2026 Panel Discussion: “Healthy Ageing and the Growing Geriatric Population: Contemporary Perspectives for Future Healthcare Professionals”

In commemoration of World Population Day 2026, the Department of Ayurveda Medicine and Indigenous Medicine at the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, successfully hosted a high-level academic panel discussion on July 28, 2026, at the Faculty’s Main Auditorium. Centered around the theme “Healthy Ageing and the Growing Geriatric Population: Contemporary Perspectives for Future Healthcare Professionals,” the programme addressed critical demographic transitions and the evolving healthcare demands associated with an expanding elderly population. The session drew robust participation from undergraduates and academic staff alike, fostering a collaborative environment dedicated to exploring future healthcare paradigms.

The intellectual scope of the discussion was profoundly enriched by a panel of distinguished national experts representing the Population Association of Sri Lanka: Prof. Manori K. Weerathunga (President of the Council), Dr. Harischandra Yakandawala (Public Health Expert, Gender Advisor, and Vice President of the Council), and Ms. Anoja Seneviratne (Former Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics and Vice President of the Council). Through multifaceted presentations, the resource persons analyzed national population ageing trends, socio-economic impacts, and the imperative integration of preventive, promotive, and holistic care frameworks into traditional medical education.

Ultimately, this engaging discourse provided participants with a comprehensive, thought-provoking perspective on contemporary geriatric care, successfully bridging macro-level demographic data with practical, clinical responsibilities that future healthcare professionals must navigate.